failed

[ feyld ]

adjective

1. falling short of success or achievement in something expected, desired, etc.:

   bad memories from a failed relationship; a failed attempt to save his daughter.

Word History and Origins

Origin of failed¹

First recorded in 1650–60; fail ( def ) + -ed ²( def )

Example Sentences

Cedars-Sinai medical staff had failed to follow up on imaging and lab orders and delayed taking Johnson back to the operating room until nearly 10 hours had passed since her C-section, the letter said.

From Los Angeles Times

E.On failed to pay the credit in the accounts of mostly vulnerable customers who had ended their contract with the supplier in a mandatory six-week window.

From BBC

Instead, he has laid the blame on other members of the team whom he also says failed to deliver the promised features.

From BBC

We have also talked about solutions - both the ones that marginally worked and the ones that failed miserably - here, here and here.

From BBC

Some saboteurs believe legislation has failed, and have taken it upon themselves to try and stop the hunts.

From BBC

Related Words

• abortive
• disastrous
• doomed
• foiled
• fruitless
• futile
• ill-fated
• ineffective
• ineffectual
• losing
• thwarted
• useless
• vain